The oval, domed Royal Albert Hall is a major landmark in the Knightsbridge area of London situated close toKensington GardensandHyde Park. Its extraordinary shape and Victorian decoration can be best appreciated from on the steps ofTheAlbert Memorial.

The Hall is now used for all types of events including classical music and rock concerts, poetry readings, conferences, ballet, awards ceremonies, Suomo wresting, ballroom dancing and table tennis competitions. In excess of 350 events are staged each year.

The Proms

However, it is probably best known to overseas visitors as the home of the annual BBC Promenade Concerts held between July and September.

The Hall’s correct name is The Royal Albert Hall of Arts and Sciences and was the brainchild of Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert. His Great Exhibition held in 1851 fired the Victorian public’s imagination with its innovative and exotic displays. Albert wanted to build a permanent cultural and exhibition centre to continue this stimulation.

The Hall was the result. Unfortunately Albert died before it was completed in 1871 but Victoria saw it as part of a grand memorial to her beloved husband.

The massive Hall is an example of Victorian daring and confidence. It measures 272 feet (83 metres) by 238 feet (72 metres) on the outside. The wrought iron and glass domed roof is 135 feet (41 metres) high. Five galleries running around the interior provide seating and standing space for an audience of 5,544.

Outside, beneath the roofline runs a grand mosaic frieze made up of 16 subjects depicting "The Triumph of Arts and Sciences". The frieze is in white on a background of Wedgewood blue while the rest of the building is of Fareham red brick, with terra cotta block decoration.

The main Royal Albert Hall website has comprehensive interactive listing of shows and a portal for booking tickets. Tickets are also available in advance by Tel: +44 (0)2078 383 105 or from the Box Office (open every day 09:00 - 21:00 hours) Web:Royal Albert Hall/ Whats On/ Tickets